A few weeks ago we had the privilege of hosting a team of faculty and students from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at our therapy program at ASELSI in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. As a graduate of UTMB, I always find it a joy and honor to have the students and faculty come work with us. We had an exceptional team this year and some new experiences for everyone.

Cultural Experiences

We specifically took some time at the beginning of the week to study Guatemalan culture, evaluate different cultural perspectives between our countries and within Guatemala, and learn about the daily tasks the people perform. We hope these activities helped everyone better understand our patients’ experiences so they could provide the best treatment.

The week started off with a ride in the back of a pickup truck to visit a family in the one of the villages outside of Chichicastenango. They showed us how they do the local weaving, make tortillas, work in the fields, and work with their livestock. Many of our families use pickups to get around.

One of the students experienced what it is like to carry your child with a disability on your back to the therapy program. Many families have to walk a distance before finding transportation.

Students and faculty divided into groups to present their illness in our biomedicine versus ethnomedicine discussion. Thanks Kemmel and Lisa from Health Talents for spending part of your day off with us and sharing your knowledge and experiences!

The team helped me celebrate my birthday Guatemalan style, with a cake in the face. I think our staff enjoyed it the most. I wish I had a picture of the team jumping when they lit the fireworks off after the cake slam! Normally the fireworks would be fired off early in the morning.

A trip to the Chichicastenango market for a scavenger hunt, to get an idea of what things cost, and some shopping.  Chichicastenango has the largest outdoor market in Central America, with visitors from around the world filling the streets on Sundays and Thursdays.

We visited the women’s co-op in San Juan de Laguna to learn about making thread from locally grown cotton. They dye the threads different colors using natural plants from the area. Zach discovered it wasn’t as easy as she made it look.

A stop for some choco-fruta (chocolate covered fruit), a must-do cultural experience if you’re with me, Shesita, or Erin! I won’t mention how many times Erin and I go when she is here.

Finally, you have to end the cultural experience with a game of “futbol” (soccer) with our maintenance guys from ASELSI. Too much action made it impossible for me to get a good shot of the game, so this will have to suffice.

Working with our Staff and Patients

Arianna, Dr. Utsey, Loida (a local midwife), Molly, and Shesita after a morning of seeing patients together. Dr Utsey’s specialty is pelvic health. Loida served as our translator but also learned many things she can share with her patients as midwife.

Dr. Fingerhut and Lis showing Hannah some different things to do when working with a child with cerebral palsy.

Dr. Farroni and Zach helping one of our patients with his strength and ability to walk.

Everyone did a great job of working with our local staff, getting to know them and our patients. I loved the interaction among everyone.

Construction

Jim and Martin, spouses to Dr. Utsey and Dr. Fingerhut,  joined the team and oversaw our building projects. We are so grateful for the 6 standers, toilet chair, and large scooter board they helped make for our patients. The rest of the team enjoyed helping out when we didn’t have any patients.

The team had to come up with a plan for building some of the items.

Hannah and Kirby varnishing some step stools for the clinic to make it easier for the patients to get on the exam table.

Martin and Erin showing off their progress on the first stander. This helps children who cannot stand alone have the opportunity to stand and receive all the benefits that brings.

The teams showing off the six standers they made for our patients. Thanks everyone!

A homemade toilet chair, much cheaper and the right size for the boy that will use it.

Jim and Dr. Farroni showing great teamwork to get the legs on the toilet chair.

Ben putting in the hinge for the children’s climbing ladder. Our patients are going to love playing, I mean working, on the ladder.

Trip to Panajachel

We ended the week with a trip to Panjachel to see Lake Atitlan on a beautiful day with a great view of all the volcanos.

Martin and Jim both reminded us how to have a good time and rest!

Thank you again Jim, Dr. Utsey, Martin, Dr. Fingerhut, Dr. Farroni, Lis, Erin, Ben, Zach, Kirby, Arianna, Molly, Erica, Hannah, and Gabriella for a great week. We wish you all the best until we see you again!

I almost forget the equipment parade down the road! An extra thank you for everyone, even Boots (our furry friend), for carrying some of our equipment to a local church for therapy in the coming weeks. Our staff currently sees patients at the church while the road to ASELSI is under repair and closed to vehicles. Our staff is loving the opportunity to be creative in a different space without all the things they have access to in our clinic.